Renovating a historic 1930’s brick building presents many challenges. Renovating that same building to exceptionally high energy standards adds further layers of complexity to the project. Fortunately, for a vacant 5,000-square foot brick storefront in Des Moines’ Sherman Hill neighborhood, developer Chaden Halfhill has not shied away from these challenges.
Geothermal: Harnessing the Earth’s Energy
October 21, 2011 by 1 Comment
Geothermal Energy is heat (thermal) that comes from the earth (geo). The layers of the earth are heated in different gradients, originating from the 4,000-mile deep core, which has a temperature similar to that of the sun of around 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit (F). The heat gradually lessens as it reaches the surface of the earth, where the temperature of the top soil more accurately represents the temperature of the atmosphere. Just ten feet below the surface of the ground, the temperature of the earth maintains a constant temperature of 50-60 degrees F in all seasons. Geothermal heat pumps make use of the earth’s constant temperature as a natural source for heating and cooling.
Green Building Forum this Saturday, September 24, 2011
September 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Where do heritage and sustainability meet? Restoring historic buildings!
Are you interested in developing, designing or rehabilitating older buildings? Join us to hear a panel of experts discussing green historic renovation as they come together to share the inter-connectivity between historic preservation and green building.
Green Teas at Green & Main this Friday, September 23, 2011
September 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
On-Site Networking Event with Leaders in Green Renovation and Design
Join us for an early evening gathering to meet and engage in meaningful conversations about sustainable historic renovation, using the Green & Main Pilot Project as the backdrop for discussion.
Profiles in Green: Sharing Good Energy with John Konior
September 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment
It’s Monday morning and I’m sitting in a local coffee shop with John Konior, Assistant to the City Manager of Urbandale and one of the leaders in Central Iowa’s movement towards energy efficiency. Less than two months ago, Konior and his team launched ShareGoodEnergy.org, a website dedicated to sharing stories on energy efficiency in our communities.
Confessions of a Fairgoer: Opinions on Sustainability
August 26, 2011 by 1 Comment
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to camp at the Iowa State Fair.
It was a perfect weekend to walk around the 435-acre fairgrounds (admittedly, that includes parking lots and all). The sun was out and there was a breeze to cool us off when the shade wasn’t available.
Profiles in Green: Jason Anderson and the Building of Green & Main
August 24, 2011 by 2 Comments
If you want to meet the man behind all that’s happening at the Green & Main project site, you’ll have to first wait for him to find a good pausing point from whatever project is currently tying up his hands. You must be patient as you get interrupted for a multitude of construction questions, and then make sure that you’re able to squeeze in a time between the meetings he holds with everyone involved in the project.
